When you think of RVs, images of spacious interiors, a well-equipped kitchen, and sleeping quarters come to mind. But what about transporters? Don’t they fall into the same category? While a van isn’t a typical RV, it’s easily upgraded into a camper with a few tweaks and an extensive list of crafting skills.
The main goal of this article is to help you figure out if converting to a camper is something you want to tackle. We will also give you some helpful tips and tricks on how to carry out such a camper conversion. Here we go!
Why convert a van into a camper?
A van is a vehicle built to transport goods and people. Over the years, the van has become a common vehicle largely because of its flexibility, affordability, and simplicity.
A camper, on the other hand, is a self-contained unit with a built-in kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. The main difference between the two is that an RV is designed for stationary use while a van can be used for travel.
In other words, if you want to own a vehicle that you can use to travel long distances and park in a parking lot, then a van is the right choice for you. If you want to own a vehicle that can be parked on the street but can also be used to travel, then an RV is the right choice for you.
What you need to convert a van into a camper
- A transporter
It is obvious that you must first start your camper conversion with a transporter. If you don’t already have one, you can buy one at the market. Alternatively, you can look for a van for sale by an owner.
- A mechanic
Converting a camper is no easy task. It requires a lot of planning, design and effort. It is better to outsource the task to a mechanic for the best results. However, if you are very handy with your own hands, nothing stands in the way of you doing the expansion of your camper yourself.
- An engineer
You can also hire an engineer to help you expand your camper. An engineer is well versed in the structure of a van and can help you design a layout that works well for the space.
- A designer
A good designer can help you envision the end result of your camper. You can discuss your design ideas with the designer and together create a plan on how to implement them.
- materials
The materials you will need to convert your camper into an RV include planks of wood, a wooden frame, insulation, a door, a kitchenette, a bed, a sink, a toilet and a generator.
- tools
In addition to the materials, you also need the right tools for the job. Make a checklist and buy the tools needed for the job. Make sure you have all the necessary tools because there is no point in having the materials for the conversion but lacking the tools.
Steps to expand your camper
Planning is the first and most important step of all. You need to plan the expansion of your camper down to the smallest detail. A detailed plan will help you stay organized and focused during the build. Once you’ve decided on a van, it’s time to calculate the space available. You need to know how much space you have available and how much you need to convert it into a camper.
Once you’ve calculated the space, it’s time to choose a floor plan. There are many floorplans on the internet from which you can choose one that suits the space well. You can also hire a designer to help you design the floor plan. Once you’ve decided on a layout, it’s time to come up with a plan for it. Be sure to calculate the measurements for the plan to ensure everything is in place.
Now that you’ve completed the plan, it’s time to build the frame. The framework is the skeleton of the plan, so build it carefully. Next, you need to build a ladder that connects the van’s roof to the frame. The ladder is used for boarding and alighting.
Now you need to build the walls for the frame. Be sure to leave room for windows and doors. You can also add a skylight to let in natural light. Next, you need to build a roof that will cover the frame and walls. The roof must be strong enough to withstand heavy rain and wind.
Once you’ve built the roof, you need to build a floor for the frame. Make sure the floor is strong enough to support the weight of the walls and roof. You’ve built the frame, walls, roof and floor, now it’s time to install the electrical wiring. You need to install lights, sockets and a generator to power the transporter.
When you’ve done all the important work, it’s time to put the finishing touches on the van. You need to paint the van, attach curtains and add some decorative elements. The expansion of your camper is complete. Now it’s time to test it. You can either hire a mechanic to test it or try it out with the help of a mechanic.
Additional equipment features for a comfortable conversion of your transporter
Solar energy is a great source of renewable energy. With it, you can operate your devices such as lights, fans and other electrical devices. Power inverters are used to convert direct current to alternating current. It is a very useful device for running devices in your van during the day when the solar panels are not generating electricity.
Batteries are an important source of continuous power when sunlight is absent. You need to use batteries to run devices like fans, lights, etc. at night. A roof rack is another excellent addition to your van. You can use a roof rack to store camping gear, bikes, or other equipment that needs to be stored outdoors.
A kitchen set can be very useful when travelling or camping in your van. With a kitchen set, you can prepare meals, store groceries and entertain guests. An awning can provide shade and protect against rain. It comes in handy when parking on the side of the road or visiting a campsite.
You can add seats to the van to make your travels more comfortable. You should also add sleeping arrangements inside the van to make it more comfortable for you and your guests. Soundproofing materials are used to reduce outside noise. Which in this case is also quite good to have.
last words
Converting a camper can be an exciting and thrilling experience. However, it is important that you know what you are getting yourself into. It requires a lot of time, effort and money. It’s also important to choose the right transporter for the task, so you can make the most of the space inside. However, once you rebuild the transporter, a new and exciting adventure awaits you. The transporter offers you everything you need for an adventurous journey. In your new motorhome, you can explore new places and meet new people.
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